Vivendi Universal Publishing has announced the acquisition of North American distribution rights to all console video game and PC products from Interplay. The only exception to this agreement is the highly anticipated Neverwinter Nights, which will be distributed by Black Isle Studios, a subsidiary of Interplay. Titles that will be published by Vivendi include the upcoming Matrix titles, several console conversions, Run Like Hell, and Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance, a PlayStation 2 title.

"Interplay has a steady track record of developing strong franchise titles that have already established a loyal following in the gaming community," said Philip W. O'Neil, senior vice president of sales at Vivendi. "The addition of Interplay...is another example of our... creating partnerships in which both parties benefit from the other's key strengths."

RPG aficionados will be the first to benefit from this new agreement; along with Giants: Citizen Kabuto, the PlayStation2 will also see BG: Dark Alliance released as one of the initial titles to be published by Vivendi. BG: Dark Alliance is set for release by the end of the year.